Flickr photo by John Stammers via CC license
When planet of action Mars moves into Capricorn’s terrain, we become aware of just how steep the climb up the mountain really is. Fortunately, Capricorn’s totem—the goat—has made this climb many a time. And Mars is uncharacteristically patient and strategic in Capricorn. He might even know a shortcut or two. Capricorn happens to be the sign where Mars is exalted. Here, Mars gives his most valiant effort and achieves a great deal.
As ruler of both Aries and Scorpio, Mars’ energy can veer towards bravado and even aggression when he transits his home signs. No wonder; he’s calling all the shots when he’s there. In a complete reversal of fortune, Mars is weak in Taurus and Libra—ruled by his cosmic lover Venus. Here he tends to mask his feelings of ineffectuality by over-reaching and overdoing. Yet, similar to Goldilocks’ search for just right, Mars gets it right on in Capricorn. Not overly confidant (too big), not low in confidence (too small) … but just right.
Logically, this makes sense: just as Capricorn operates with a take-charge attitude (being a cardinal sign), so does Mars. And, just as Capricorn is concerned with achieving status and importance, so is Mars. Talk about a match made in heaven. And Capricorn’s earthy energy is a natural magnet for Mars to give expression to his sexual desires. We’re talking sultry and sensuous. And one more thing: as excitable as Mars can be when he’s whipped into a sexual frenzy, he’s in no rush to get to that climactic ending in slow and steady wins the race Capricorn. That’s a boon for lovers everywhere.
Still, sex isn’t the only thing Mars is into. As a planetary protector and action figure, he’s compelled to provide for his loved ones. Enter Mars’ ambition—and, in Capricorn, Mars has a tangible goal to achieve. After all, he has just emerged from the fire of Sagittarius—sign of the archer—where he would have set a lofty goal. In Capricorn—a sign closely aligned with physical manifestation—it’s time to take that goal from Sagittarius’ idealistic flames and bring it into down-to-earth reality.
Of course, in describing Mars’ behavior, we’re really identifying potential ways that his energy gets channeled through human activity. In practical terms, Mars’ transit through Capricorn opens up a time-frame whereby you can be enormously productive. It’s also a time to step into and fully own your leadership skills. Everyone has at least one thing that they do really well. We count on each other’s strengths in order to exchange services all the time. Mars’ sure-footed trek through Capricorn is a clarion call for you to step up and show us the way you do your best thing. If you’ve got a mission, get to it step-by-step, day-by-day while Mars is operating at peak energy.